STATEMENT
In 2011 23 Kanaka Maoli youth Kollin Elderts was tragically killed by a drunk Federal Agent by the name of Christopher Deedy. After being briefed by a fellow agent that Kanaka Maoli were dangerous and that "Haole" a word in our Native language was, incorrectly, the equivalent to the "N" word, he replied that he would bring a loaded gun out on a planned "wild night" on the town. After a night of drinking and club hopping, he picked a fight with Kollin and shot him dead in the heart.
It has been 7 years and 2 traumatic trials later only to be faced with the news that this killer is now going to walk free on a technicality.
We condemn the incompetence of the Hawaii prosecutor's office who ignored the pleas of the Elderts' legal counsel to pursue charges of manslaughter. Charges of Reckless manslaughter for wildly shooting his gun in a crowded restaurant, or exploring the possibility of extreme emotional distress after being revealed as incompetent in a fair fight were never explored.
We also condemn the crucifixion of Kollin in the media. It's a well established phenomenon that when indigenous and black youth are killed by law enforcement they are treated as criminals instead of the victims. As the Ohana once stated. They killed Kollin twice, once Ruth a gun and a second time in the press.
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